Kathrine Frich
Calls for a temporary pause in fighting during Easter have been dismissed, as hopes for even a brief break in the war fade.
Despite ongoing international pressure, both sides remain far apart on the conditions for any ceasefire.
Moscow has now signaled that military operations will continue uninterrupted.
Truce dismissed
According to Interfax cited by Digi24, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had not seen a clear proposal from Ukraine for an Easter ceasefire.
“It is clear that the Kiev regime desperately needs a truce, any truce, because the dynamics on the fronts <…> show that Russian troops, sometimes faster, sometimes slower, but along the entire front line are advancing,” Peskov said.
He added that Kyiv must “take responsibility” and move toward a broader peace agreement rather than a temporary halt in fighting.
Zelensky response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had suggested a ceasefire over the Easter period, while emphasizing that any agreement should go beyond a short-term pause.
“Normal people, who respect life, talk about a ceasefire for life, not for a few days,” he said.
At the same time, Zelensky noted Ukraine was open to compromise, but drew a firm line on key issues. “But we are, of course, ready for any compromise, except for compromises with our dignity and sovereignty,” he added.
Past ceasefires
Previous attempts at temporary truces have had limited success.
An earlier pause in strikes on energy infrastructure was in place from January 25 to February 1 this year, following an initiative announced by US President Donald Trump.
In 2025, Russia also declared unilateral ceasefires during Easter and Victory Day commemorations, though fighting reportedly continued despite the announcements.
Sources: Interfax, Digi24
